The Rugby World Cup kicks in to top gear this weekend as the top eight teams battle for top four places in this knockout phase.
First up, Ireland take on Wales in the first quarterfinal at the Wellington Regional Stadium (Caketin) at 6pm on Saturday, October 8.
And also in Wellington, familiar foes South Africa will battle Australia for the semifinal spot at 6pm on Sunday.
At Eden Park in Auckland, France, coming off a shock loss to Tonga last weekend, face Pool B winners England at 8.30pm, Sunday, and the All Blacks square off against Argentina at 8.30pm on Sunday.
The All Blacks, despite losing first-five Dan Carter to injury, and with also captain Richie McCaw not up to scratch, are confident of collecting the Cup which has eluded them for the past 20 years.
At a media conference in Auckland this week, the injured Carter declared the team must “move on” and place their faith in Colin Slade who will be replacing Carter in the key position.
Carter’s team mates have vowed “to win the World Cup for Carter”, who is gutted at having to watch the games from the grandstands.
While young Slade is expected to start in Carter’s spot, commentators have been vocal about halfback Piri Weepu taking on the pivotal role, some have even gone as far as suggesting that fullback Israel Dagg playing at first five and bringing back Mils Muliaina at fullback.
While New Zealand, without Carter, are expected to win comfortably against Argentina, they could face either Australia or defending champions South Africa in the semis, as they are both capable of big games.
Let’s hope McCaw doesn’t aggravate his foot injury and is able to compensate for the physical support diminished by the loss of Carter.
Wales are expected to come out on top against Ireland, and England is expected to demolish France in the second quarterfinal, which could see an all-northern hemisphere semifinal.
And if the All Blacks win against either Australia/South Africa in the semis, it could then pave the way for a Southern Hemisphere vs Northern Hemisphere grand final – which would delight the IRB bosses.
The loss of Carter and McCaw’s injury have placed the All Blacks coaches in a difficult position as the competition enters the crucial knockout stage.
Here are the games for the weekend:
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Ireland vs Wales, Wellington, 6pm.
England vs France, Eden Park, Auckland, 8.30pm
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Australia vs South Africa, 6pm, Wellington
New Zealand vs Argentina, 8.30pm, Eden Park, Auckland